FAA Reauthorization Bill Passes Without FRT Amendment

The Senate has passed a reauthorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—and it excludes a bipartisan amendment that would have paused the deployment of facial recognition technology at U.S. airports.

The technology is already in place at over 80 airports and is administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). And for some, it has raised concerns regarding privacy and civil liberties. Despite efforts by Senators Jeff Merkley, John Kennedy, and Roger Marshall to temporarily halt its expansion until Congress could review the program, the amendment did not make it into the final bill.

The U.S. Travel Association, Delta Air Lines, and the TSA itself had come out in opposition to the proposed amendment, generally arguing that it would reverse significant technological progress in border security and traveler convenience. TSA officials have noted that the use of facial recognition is optional for travelers, a policy confirmed in recent government guidelines.

The legislation itself directs a substantial $105 billion towards the FAA for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to support various modernization initiatives, including a significant $17.8 billion for updating critical technologies and $1.59 billion for research and development in innovative aerospace technologies. The funding is part of a broader effort to enhance aviation safety, increase cybersecurity, and facilitate the integration of emerging aviation technologies such as electric propulsion and hypersonic aircraft into the national airspace.

Despite the extensive provisions for technology and safety enhancements, the exclusion of the facial recognition amendment was a significant point of contention. The bill, which passed with an overwhelming majority of 88-4, still faced criticism from Virginia and Maryland senators over unrelated issues concerning flight regulations.

The Senate also approved a one-week extension of the FAA’s current authorization, giving the House additional time to consider the reauthorization legislation, reflecting the ongoing urgency to support and evolve the nation’s aviation infrastructure.

Source: NextGov/FCW

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May 13, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy